A Living Wage is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses in the community they live. Living Wage provides a basic level of economic security, but still represents a conservative, bare bones budget.

The current living wage rate for the Fraser Valley is $17.40/hour, calculated based on the principle that people who work full time should not have to live in poverty. The living wage changes based on the costs in each region.

The living wage is calculated based on a two-parent family with two children and each parent working 52 weeks per year at 35 hours per week. The living wage is recalculated annually and includes basic expenses:

Childcare

Rental Housing

Food

Transportation

Clothing

Parent Education

Healthcare (MSP and supplemental insurance)

The calculation does not cover additional expenses such as:

Debt repayment

Future savings for home ownership, children’s university education, or retirement

Recreation, entertainment, or other such costs

Costs of caring for a disabled, seriously ill, or elderly family member